Her Story
About Ursula
Ursula Botchway is a Senior Account Executive who has built a dynamic career at the intersection of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and strategic client communication. Her path into the industry began during college, when she took on a role as a pharmacy technician, giving her an early, hands-on understanding of the healthcare field while she completed her Bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. She continued working in pharmacy on a part-time basis while entering agency work around 2021, before committing fully to the pharmaceutical agency space in 2023. Today, she draws on that healthcare foundation, along with her relationship-building skills and industry knowledge, to support pharmaceutical companies in developing effective marketing, promotional, and campaign strategies.
Botchway's approach to her work is shaped by curiosity, confidence, and a strong belief in the power of mentorship and networking. She credits much of her professional growth to a willingness to ask difficult questions and challenge ideas rather than stay silent, a mindset instilled in her through the guidance of family members, family friends, and professional connections earlier in her career. She has since carried that spirit forward as a mentor herself, helping a recent college graduate refine her résumé and interview skills in a process that ultimately led to a new job. Looking ahead, she sees meaningful opportunity in the growing role of artificial intelligence within healthcare marketing, provided the industry continues to prioritize the human judgment and relationships that technology cannot replicate, while also recognizing talent retention as an ongoing challenge for agencies competing with larger firms.
Beyond her corporate career, Botchway is a Certified Pilates Instructor who teaches part-time, a pursuit that reflects the same energy and discipline she brings to her professional life. Starting her mornings with movement keeps her focused, driven, and prepared for the day ahead, reinforcing her view that professional ambition and personal well-being work hand in hand rather than in competition. Through her career and mentorship, Botchway continues to encourage others—particularly young women entering the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields—to build genuine professional communities, speak up with confidence, and pursue the connections and resources that can shape a meaningful career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ursula
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, confidence, and connection. I've never been afraid to ask the questions that others are hesitant to raise, to challenge ideas thoughtfully, and to explore new information rather than stay silent. Mentorship has played a huge role in my journey as well—guidance from family, family friends, and professional connections has shaped how I approach my career, and I try to pay that forward by mentoring others. Networking has also been essential; building genuine relationships has opened doors I wouldn't have found otherwise. Finally, staying energized and disciplined through Pilates helps me show up as my best self professionally and personally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to never be afraid to ask the questions nobody else is willing to ask. When we stay silent instead of questioning or challenging ideas, we miss the chance to uncover new information and grow. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career—I make it a point to ask questions, stay connected to my network, and advocate for my own development, because I've seen firsthand how conversations and relationships can lead to opportunities that a traditional career path alone never would have offered.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd tell young women entering this industry to never be afraid to ask questions, respectfully challenge ideas, and make their voices heard—even in rooms where they may not feel fully represented. Confidence comes from participation, so speak up and trust that your perspective has value. I also strongly encourage getting involved early in professional associations, healthcare groups, mentorship programs, and networking communities. Those relationships become invaluable sources of knowledge, support, and future opportunities. Don't wait for someone else to map out your career—build the community that helps you grow, and be willing to become that same source of support for another woman along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see a lot of opportunity in the growing use of artificial intelligence within healthcare and pharmaceutical agency work, as long as organizations preserve the human judgment, creativity, and relationships that technology simply can't replace. On the challenge side, employee retention is an ongoing issue, since agencies are often competing with larger companies for talented people. I'm also encouraged by the progress women have made in representation across the field, though there's still meaningful work to do to ensure that progress extends into senior leadership and decision-making roles.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Curiosity, connection, mentorship, personal growth, and well-being are the values that matter most to me. I believe real success comes from continuing to learn while helping the people around me grow too, which is why I prioritize relationships and look for ways to share knowledge and create opportunities for others. On a personal level, movement and wellness—especially through Pilates—keep me energized and grounded. Starting my mornings that way helps stimulate my mind and keeps me from feeling stuck, and I've found that taking care of myself physically and mentally gives me the strength to show up fully for my career and for others.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.